Oregon wants to criminalize small amounts of hard drugs again

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — In one week, Oregonians will see a major change in the state's drug laws. Possession of small amounts of hard drugs will once again be a criminal offense.

Oregon lawmakers voted earlier this year to re-criminalize drug possession, rolling back part of Measure 110, which had been passed by voters.

They created a misdemeanor charge with the focus of giving people the opportunity to avoid conviction through a process called diversion.

Deflection programs are designed to provide people with substance use disorders with access to treatment instead of prison time, and counties can develop their own approaches.

Multnomah County authorities are planning to open a diversion center in southwest Portland. However, the county has now announced that the center will open in October rather than next month as planned.

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